The BMC Racing rider, who was among the pre-tour favourites, was taken away in an ambulance after a horror crash while speeding down hill.

Australian Porte hit the rocks on his right-hand side and was put in a neck brace by doctors before being carried away on a stretcher.

Thankfully, the Tour doctor told French TV that Porte, 32, was conscious and remembered the entire accident.

Porte was travelling at 45mph downhill when he struck a grass verge on the inside of a left hand bend.

Richie Porte receives medical assistance (Image: AFP)

Richie Porte is put in a neck brace (Image: AFP)

Richie Porte goes head first into the wall (Image: ITV)

Richie Porte loses control of his bike (Image: ITV)

Richie Porte awaits medical attention after the crash (Image: ITV)

He was flung off his bike and into a wall on the other side of the road, while colliding a rival rider Dan Martin - who amazingly remounted his bike and continued.

Porte was among the most likely to win the race and had been in fifth after Stage Eight.

His team's chief medical officer Dr. Max Testa said in a statement: “Richie Porte was transferred to the Centre Hopitalier Metropole Savoie in Chambery where he was evaluated by Dr. Zerr.

"He underwent X-rays to determine the extent of his injuries. His condition was stable from the beginning, he was responsive and he remembered everything that happened before and after the crash.

“X-rays confirmed a non-displaced right clavicle fracture and a non-displaced right acetabulum fracture. Richie also suffered extensive superficial abrasions involving the right side of his body. At this stage, the injuries will not require surgery.

Richie Porte suffered a horror crash (Image: AFP)

Richie Porte was conscious as he was taken to hospital (Image: AFP)

"The plan is to re-evaluate Richie tomorrow morning and confirm that he is stable enough to be transferred home.”

Dr Testa confirmed Porte's Tour bid has come to an end and he will not return to the saddle for four weeks.

He added: “Normally, a fractured clavicle and pelvis would require four to six weeks’ recovery, providing there are no complications.

"If everything goes to plan, Richie could be back on the bike at the beginning of August and slowly build his fitness up from there. Based on Richie’s recovery, we will re-evaluate his program for the rest of the season in consultation with BMC Racing Team management.”

Mark Cavendish, who was forced to leave the Tour last week after a crash tweeted: "Haven't watched today's stage and 100% won't be after reading some of my mates have been hurt. Really hope all who crashed today are ok."